Modular grill and smoker, support structures and user device integration

ABSTRACT

Systems, devices, and methods of use and manufacture are provided for a modular grill and smoker device for cooking food that include a first chamber, a door for opening and sealably closing the first chamber, an airflow corridor creating a hull around the first chamber for channeling air around the first chamber with at least one lower vent and at least one upper vent, as well as integration with electronic user devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/917,765, filed Jun. 30, 2020, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/284,348, filed Oct. 3, 2016, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,729,272, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/237,134 filed Oct. 5, 2015, titled “Modular Grill andSmoker, Support Structures and User Device Integration,” all of whichare hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The subject matter described herein relates generally to modular grilland smoker apparatuses, support structures and user device integrationand associated systems, methods, and devices.

BACKGROUND

Grilling and smoking are popular methods of food preparation that haveexisted for much of human history. The refinement of materials in moderntimes has allowed for advancement of grilling and smoking technologyfrom fireplaces and open flames to include individual units that cangrill and smoke food and may be permanently installed in one location orcan be transported for use in various locations and can include enclosedchambers. As such, a wide variety of modern grills and smokers exist,from low-end, cheap versions to top of the line installations costingthousands or tens of thousands of dollars.

Modern grills and smokers, especially high-end versions, are typicallyconstructed of materials that are welded and assembled by human hand andrequire significant investment of human time, energy and capital toconstruct. Additionally, these devices often require numerous joiningmeans such as screws, nails, washers, seals and others that can be lost,broken or otherwise malfunction. Modern grills and smokers are alsotypically difficult to clean and must be washed by hand, again requiringsignificant time and energy. Additionally, modern grills generally donot have integration with wireless devices, networks or systems suchthat they provide for interaction, remote monitoring or integration withelectronic data.

Thus, needs exist for improved techniques and methods by which tomanufacture, grills and smokers. Additionally, improved cleanability,easier manufacturer, intermediary and end user assembly andtransportation are valuable. Also, integration with modern electronicdevices is desirable.

SUMMARY

Provided herein are embodiments of systems, devices and methods formanufacturing, building and using modular grill and smoker apparatuses,support structures and, in some embodiments, user device integration.

The configuration of the devices described herein in detail are onlyexample embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Othersystems, devices, methods, features and advantages of the subject matterdescribed herein will be or will become apparent to one with skill inthe art upon examination of the following figures and detaileddescription. It is intended that all such additional systems, devices,methods, features and advantages be included within this description, bewithin the scope of the subject matter described herein, and beprotected by the accompanying claims. In no way should the features ofthe example embodiments be construed as limiting the appended claims,absent express recitation of those features in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The details of the subject matter set forth herein, both as to itsstructure and operation, may be apparent by study of the accompanyingfigures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. Thecomponents in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis insteadbeing placed upon illustrating the principles of the subject matter.Moreover, all illustrations are intended to convey concepts, whererelative sizes, shapes and other detailed attributes may be illustratedschematically rather than literally or precisely.

FIGS. 1A-1E are front views of example embodiments of a modular grilland smoker with a balcony mounted support rack, particularly mounted ona rail with analogous features of different scaled dimensions.

FIG. 2A is a front view depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker.

FIG. 2B is a side view depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker with a balcony mounted support rack, particularlymounted on a rail.

FIG. 2C is a rear view depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker with a support rack.

FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional diagram depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker airflow corridor.

FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional diagram depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker cooking chamber and airflowcorridor mounted on a support rack.

FIG. 3C is a side cross-sectional diagram depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker cooking chamber and airflowcorridor.

FIG. 3D is a side cross-sectional diagram depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker upper component area crosssection.

FIG. 3E is a side cross-sectional diagram depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker lower component area crosssection.

FIG. 3F is a side cross-sectional diagram depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker airflow corridor with internalstructures shown.

FIG. 4A is a front cross-sectional diagram depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker with a close-up of rotarydampened door features.

FIG. 4B is a front cross-sectional diagram depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker with a close-up of rotarydampened door features.

FIG. 4C is a side view depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker with a close-up of rotary dampened door features andlocational indices.

FIG. 4D is a cutaway perspective view depicting an example embodiment ofa modular grill and smoker with a rotary dampened door feature.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view depicting an example embodimentmulti-surface table, operable to be paired with of a complementarymodular grill and smoker.

FIG. 5B is a front perspective view depicting an example embodiment of apaired modular grill and smoker multi-surface table with a modular grilland smoker and external fuel source.

FIG. 5C is a back view depicting an example embodiment of a pairedmodular grill and smoker multi-surface table with a modular grill andsmoker and external fuel source

FIG. 6A is a front perspective view depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker support rack.

FIG. 6B is a front perspective view depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker support rack with a mounted external fuelsource.

FIG. 6C is a front perspective view depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker support rack with a mounted external fuelsource and modular grill and smoker.

FIG. 7A is a front cutaway view depicting an example embodiment of anassembled modular grill and smoker with individual component details.

FIG. 7B is a front view depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker with a rack with individual component details.

FIG. 7C is a view depicting an example embodiment of modular grill andsmoker individual component details.

FIG. 7D is a view depicting an example embodiment of modular grill andsmoker external component details.

FIG. 7E is a view depicting an example embodiment of modular grill andsmoker internal component details.

FIG. 8 is a chart depicting an example embodiment of modular grill andsmoker component dimensions for different sized modular grills andsmokers.

FIG. 9 is a front view depicting an example embodiment of modular grilland smoker securing pins.

FIG. 10 is a front view depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker display.

FIG. 11 is a front view depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker interior chamber with an open door.

FIG. 12 is a view depicting an example embodiment of modular grill andsmoker fuel tanks.

FIG. 13 is a user interface display depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker recipe selection screen.

FIG. 14 is a user interface display depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker temperature display screen.

FIG. 15 is a user interface display depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker instructions screen.

FIG. 16 is a user interface display depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker recipe instruction view screen.

FIG. 17 is a user interface display depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker recipe completion screen.

FIG. 18A is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker use process.

FIG. 18B is an example view of a basic network setup according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18C is an example view of a network connected server systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18D is an example view of a user device according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 18E is a diagram of an example embodiment of a modular grill andsmoker device electrical system.

FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional diagram depicting an example embodiment ofa modular grill and smoker with closed fuel valves of a fuel line.

FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional diagram depicting an example embodiment ofa modular grill and smoker with open fuel valves of a fuel line.

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional diagram depicting an example embodiment ofa modular grill and smoker and internally housed heating components.

FIG. 19D is a cross-sectional diagram depicting an example embodiment ofa modular grill and smoker with enlargements of closed fuel valves of afuel line and open fuel valves of a fuel line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present subject matter is described in detail, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is not limited to the particularembodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited onlyby the appended claims.

Provided herein are systems, devices, and methods for creating and usingmodular grills and smokers used to cook food, as well as associatedmanufacturing and user interfaces for interacting with the same.

In various embodiments described herein and otherwise contemplated,modular grills and smokers can be parametrically designed and modifiedusing computers, for instance through the use of programs such asSolidworks. Parametric design of modular grills and smokers can allowfor quick and easy scaling changes of individual components and relativedimensions for all components to be saved in non-transitory computerreadable memory. This can allow for customized production and productionof unique sizes and provides great flexibility for the manufacturer.Since the relative dimensions of each part and section can be set asparameters, they can be easily exported from a design computer for usein robotic fabrication. Robotic fabrication can improve equipment setupand fabrication time and can provide savings of fifty to eighty percent,when compared to fabrication costs common to traditional manual grilland smoker fabrication processes.

In many embodiments, design and modification of grills and smokers isaccomplished by executing computer operations using processors, that arestored in the form of instructions in non-transitory computer readablememory. These allow for manipulation of data and variables via userinterfaces and provide for viewing of data on graphical user interfaces.Computing devices including these components and operable to executethese instructions can be user interface devices and are often networkedtogether via public and private networks that include servers and othercomponents and devices. Various forms of many of the computer-baseddevices and components required to perform these operations aredescribed in more detail herein. Once a desired or acceptable design hasbeen finished or formalized, it can be exported to a networkedfabrication computer that can then fabricate components according to thedesigns via computer connected and controlled fabrication equipment toprecisely calculated dimensions.

Robotic fabrication facilities can provide improved accuracy of metalshaping and welding techniques. Examples of known techniques include:arc welding, oxy-fuel gas welding, resistance welding, solid-statewelding and others. Examples of arc welding include: atomic hydrogenwelding (AHW), bare metal arc welding (BMAW), carbon arc welding (CAW),flux cored arc welding (FCAW, FCAW-S), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gastungsten (GTAW), plasma arc welding (PAW), shielded metal arc welding(SMAW), submerged arc welding (SAW), magnetically impelled arc buttwelding (MIAB) and others. Examples of oxy-fuel gas welding include:air-acetylene welding (AAW), oxyacetylene welding (OAW), oxygen/propanewelding, oxyhydrogen welding (OHW), pressure gas welding (PGW) andothers. Examples of resistance welding include: resistance spot welding(RSW), resistance seam welding (RSEW), projection welding (PW), flashwelding (FW), upset welding (UW) and others. Examples of solid-statewelding include: co-extrusion welding (CEW), cold pressure welding (CW),diffusion welding (DFW), explosion welding (EW), electromagnetic pulsewelding, forge welding (FOW), friction welding (FRW), friction stirwelding (FSW), hot pressure welding (HPW), hot isostatic pressurewelding (HPW), roll welding (ROW), ultrasonic welding (USW), and others.Some examples of other types of welding include: electron beam welding(EBW), electro-slag welding (ESW), flow welding, induction welding (IW),laser beam welding (LBW), laser-hybrid welding, percussion welding(PEW), thermite welding (TW), electro-gas welding, stud arc welding,Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) and others.

Utilizing these forms of equipment can be beneficial since the grillsand smokers described herein are of a modular design they do not need afull scale production facility. Therefore, individual assemblies andsub-assemblies can be sourced from one or more offshore or domesticrobotic fabricators, shipped in parts or pieces to reduce costs and anend product can be assembled elsewhere by distributors, retailers andend-users. An additional benefit is that during production, welds can becreated more quickly and more accurately than could be accomplished by ahuman. This improves finished product quality and durability andincreases the efficiency in creating such products.

The modular designs described herein provides for simple assembly anddisassembly without the need for specialized tools or even traditionaltools such as hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, nails, screws, washers,or others. Hitch-pins and other simple yet durable connections providequick and easy securing means for assembly and disassembly. As such,cleaning of the modular grill and smoker is vastly improved over currentand former grills and smokers. Many components are particularly sized sothey can be soaked in standard kitchen and commercial sinks and fitwithin normal dishwashing machines for added convenience.

FIGS. 1A-1E are front views of example embodiments of modular grill andsmoker combination apparatuses 100 a-100 e, respectively, each with asupport rack 104 a-104 e and mounted on a rail 106 and having analogousfeatures of different scaled dimensions. In the example embodiments,different size apparatuses are shown, representing a broad range ofscales and sizes for a modular grill and smoker from a modest 24 inchesacross the entire apparatus in 100 a, to 30 inches in 100 b, to 36inches in 100 c, to 42 inches in 100 d and 48 inches across the entireapparatus in 100 e. These respectively correspond to a cooking surfacearea contained within the modular grill and smoker, exclusive of awarming shelf area and can be 85 square inches in 100 a, 150 squareinches in 100 b, 230 square inches in 100 c, 330 square inches in 100 dand 450 square inches in 100 e. The sizes and dimensions shown in theexample embodiments are by no means exhaustive and alternativeconfigurations are also contemplated. A fuel source 102 a-102 e andsupport rack 104 a-104 e shown in the example embodiments is the samesize and dimension in each, showing the contrasting sized dimensions ofeach grill and smoker 100 a-100 e, respectively. FIG. 1C shows anexample embodiment with an open secondary chamber 108 while FIG. 1Eshows an example embodiment with an open primary chamber 110.

FIG. 2A is a front view depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker 200. In various embodiments, modular grills andsmokers, such as 200, can include a sealable primary chamber 202, havinga generally cylindrical or semi-cylindrical interior and exteriorprofile with a primary chamber access door 204 that closes the sealableprimary chamber 202. When closed, sealable primary chamber 202 can havea substantially airtight seal, providing a compartment in which food canbe grilled, smoked, or otherwise cooked. This primary chamber 202 isalso be referred to herein as a cooking chamber. One or more windows 206can include panels that are double glazed, optically transparent,semi-transparent or combinations thereof, that can be windows that areremovable and adjustable without the need for any external or additionaltools or components in various embodiments and can allow a user tovisually monitor the interior of cooking chamber 202 while cookingchamber door 204 is closed. Various transparent and semi-transparentmaterials and combinations of materials can be used to create windows206 including glass, plastics, and others and may have one or a varietyof colors across the visible light spectrum.

A secondary closable chamber 208, which can be sealable in someembodiments, can also be cylindrical or semi-cylindrical, can havesimilar radial or other dimensions, when compared to cooking chamber 202and can have a similar secondary chamber access door 210 that opens andcloses to seal secondary chamber 208. In some embodiments, this can bean airtight seal. Secondary chamber 208 can have an equal or shortercylindrical length, when compared to that of cooking chamber 202.Secondary chamber 208 will also be referred to herein as a utilitychamber. Handles 212 can be formed as built-in recesses, exteriorflanges and can have other structures and can be permanently coupled toeach of chambers 202, 208 in order to open and close chambers 202, 208.Other structures can also be used, as known in the art or laterdeveloped, including exterior horizontal, diagonal or vertical bars withor without connecting brackets.

Primary chamber 202 and secondary chamber 208 can be independentlyconstructed or fabricated and combined or coupled later to form a singlemodular grill and smoker 200 in some embodiments. In other embodiments,these chambers can be constructed or fabricated from a single, largechamber. As would be understood in the art, additional or fewer chamberscan be provided and dimensions can be varied in accordance with theembodiments described herein without departing from their scope.

In some embodiments secondary chamber 208 can be a utility or controlchamber that can be specially designed to be used for warming food,maintaining food temperature with minimal heat loss, storing items,cooking food at different temperatures from primary chamber 202 orperforming other purposes.

The chambers 202, 208 can have one or more external fuel couplingcomponents 214 for allowing externally supplied fuel to be fed toappropriate use points or locations in various embodiments. Components214 can be unique to each chamber 202, 208 or shared in someembodiments. A non-exhaustive list of external fuel sources 216includes: liquid propane gas (LPG), butane, natural gas (NG), liquid orgaseous biofuels, hydrogen, kerosene and others currently in existenceor later developed. In some embodiments no couplings may be provided ifinternal fuel is the only fuel for use, for instance in embodimentssolely for use with combustible solid fuels such as charcoal, wood andothers currently in existence or later developed. Many embodiments allowfor the use of either or both external and internal fuel sources. Alsocontemplated are electrical heating sources, such as coils, that may beexternally or battery powered.

As shown in the example embodiment, one or more displays can be providedon a user-facing surface of the modular grill and smoker 200. Here, thisincludes a primary display 218 that can be a Liquid Crystal Display(LCD), Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, touchscreen display, orothers as appropriate and can include electrical coupling to powersources, temperature sensors, timers, lighting, audio speakers,additional displays, user interfaces, processors, non-transitory memory,and others as understood in the art. In some embodiments these displayscan be communicatively coupled to one or more external devices, such assmartphones, tablets, wearable smart devices, video game consoles,computers or other devices. These couplings can be wired or wireless andcan be accomplished using various communication protocols or standards,such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or others.

User interface controls 220 can be provided or mounted on varioussurfaces of modular grill and smoker 200, including: dials, buttons,switches, knobs, touchscreens, combinations thereof and others. Asunderstood in the art, these user interface controls 220 allow a user tointerface with modular grill and smoker 200 in order to controltemperatures in chambers 202, 208, timers, clocks, power, lighting,fuel, audio output, and other necessary and optional components.

Other mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical components andfeatures can be included on appropriate interior and exterior surfacesincluding support racks, holders, tables, cutting boards, pots, pans,storage compartments, and others as understood in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Also shown in the example embodiment, is a support rack 222 supportingprimary and secondary chambers 202, 208, as well as a fuel source 216,which in this case is a LPG tank. In various embodiments, support racks222 can be highly adjustable by users, including pitch, height andbalancing adjustments. In some embodiments, these support racks 222 canbe installed on balconies, fences, walls, boat railings, and manyothers.

FIG. 2B is a side view depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker 200 with a support rack 222 mounted on a rail 224. Inthe example embodiment a user interface knob 220 is shown extending outof a front surface of the modular grill and smoker 200. A secondarychamber door 210 is shown as having a quarter circular side profile andis rotatably coupled with secondary chamber 208. As such, secondarychamber door 210 can rotate about a centrally located pivot 230 to opensecondary chamber 208. In other embodiments, chamber doors can be threequadrants of a cylinder, a third of a cylinder, five-eighths of acylinder or others as appropriate. Although not shown, ridges, tracksand other guiding components can be included in various embodiments inorder to maintain door 210 in a consistent location.

An external fuel coupling component 214 is shown protruding from a rearof the modular grill and smoker 200 and extending downward at a rightangle to couple with a mated coupling component from an external fuelsource 216. Also shown is an exterior wire 226 for providing electricalpower, in the form of a rotisserie motor power line. In some embodimentsthis can be provided or routed within the inside the modular grill andsmoker device 200. A support rack 222 is shown as supporting theexternal fuel source 216 as well as the modular grill and smoker 200that can provide permanent, semi-permanent or removable coupling for itssupported components. Support rack 222 is discussed in further detailherein with respect to FIGS. 6A-6C. In some embodiments a back-piece 234can include one or more adjustable legs or bars. These legs or bars caninclude rubber end pieces to protect an installation location fromdamage. Adjustment can be accomplished using threaded screwingmechanisms, notches, ratcheting mechanisms, or others and can be lockedin place in many embodiments.

FIG. 2C is a rear view depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker 200 with a support rack 222. As shown in the exampleembodiment, an upper air exhaust flue 228 can include one or more vents,allowing air to exit the interior of modular grill and smoker 200. Arear air intake vent 230 can allow air to enter the interior of modulargrill and smoker 200. Venting components and systems will further bedescribed herein, in particular with respect to FIGS. 3A-3F.

FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional diagram 300 a depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker airflow corridor 302. In theexample embodiment a cooking chamber 301, secondary chamber and otherchambers (not shown) and one or more airflow corridors 302 can befluidly independent, such that when sealed air, gases, smoke and anyparticulates contained therein do not flow between the independentchambers. Airflow corridor 302 allows heated air within airflow corridor302 to escape through upper openings 308, 310 and cooler air to be drawninto airflow corridor 302 through lower openings 304 a, 304 b, 306 a,306 b.

As shown, one or more inner surfaces of an exterior wall 312 of airflowcorridor 302 can have a variety of different radii from a central axisof cooking chamber 301. In some embodiments a single, uniform exteriorwall inner surface radius can exist. As shown in the example embodimenta cooking chamber 301 can likewise have a non-uniform but generallycircular cross sectional shape.

In the example embodiment, airflow corridor 302 has a cross sectionalshape that is generally circumferentially located about a generalcooking chamber 301 circumference. As such, the radius of a common wall314 or walls separating cooking chamber 301 from airflow corridor 302 isgenerally smaller than the radius of the inner surface of the exteriorwall 312 or walls of airflow corridor 302. As such, airflow corridor 302can be a circumferential chamber that provides cooling properties insome embodiments. Openings 304 a, 304 b, 306 a, 306 b, 308 and 310 caninclude one or more of a plurality of flues, ducts, holes, vents orother components that are provided at specific locations in the airflowcorridor exterior wall 312 to promote and provide airflow through theairflow corridor 302. As a result of this configuration, air can flowwithin the airflow corridor 302, between the exterior wall 312 or wallsof the airflow corridor 302 and the common wall 314 or walls of thecooking chamber 301. The operation and dynamics of this airflow will bediscussed in further detail with respect to FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional diagram 300 b depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker cooking chamber 301 and airflowcorridor 302 mounted on a support rack 322. In various embodiments thatinclude airflow corridors 302, the Archimedes principle can be used togreat effect. As such, airflow corridor 302 provides the benefit ofkeeping the exterior wall 312 of the airflow corridor 302 cool to auser's touch even when the interior of cooking chamber 301 is heated tocooking or smoking temperatures. In operation, when the interior of thecooking chamber 301 is heated, for example by lighting a fuel sourcesuch as gas at heating location 318, the air inside the chamber 301becomes warm or hot. As the air in the cooking chamber 301 becomes warmor hot, some of the heat is transferred to the common walls 314 of thecooking chamber 301. Similarly, as the common walls 314 of the cookingchamber heat up some of the heat is transferred to the air surroundingthe common walls 314 and on the interior of the airflow corridor 302. Asthis heated air in the airflow corridor rises, it can escape out of oneor more upper vents 308, 310 of the airflow corridor 302. This creates apressure differential within the airflow corridor 302 which then drawsin air from the exterior of the modular grill and smoker through one ormore side vents 304 a, 306 a and lower vents 304 b, 306 b. When this airis heated by the common walls 314, it also exits the one or more uppervents 308, 310. As the air in the airflow corridor 302 does not remainin the airflow corridor 302 for much time, it does not transfer a largeamount of heat to the exterior walls 312 of the modular grill andsmoker, thus maintaining a tolerable temperature of the exterior walls312 of the airflow corridor 302. As such, users are less likely to beinjured if they accidentally, inadvertently or otherwise touch theexterior walls 312. In some embodiments, air flow in the airflowcorridor 302 can be controlled by actuating the one or more upper vents308, 310 as necessary.

As shown in the example embodiment, additional vents can be provided inthe common walls 314 to allow airflow within the interior cookingchambers 301 including one or more upper cooking chamber vents 320 andone or more lower cooking chamber vents 324. While in some embodimentsvents may be located uniformly at standard locations in the walls 312,314 of chamber 301, they can be located in any appropriate, desired orconvenient locations such that they provide the desired airflow asdescribed herein. The example embodiment in particular shows a frontcooling-air exit 308 adjacent to a front wall of vent 320, thatfunctions as a chimney and a rear cooling-air exit 310 adjacent to arear wall of vent 320 at an upper area of the modular grill and smoker.At a middle to lower area of the modular grill and smoker are provideddual front cooling-air intakes 304 a, 304 b and dual rear cooling-airintakes 306 a, 306 b. At the bottom of cooking chamber 301, vent 324 hasopenings above a removable debris pan 326.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, active airflow components withappropriate wiring and power, such as fans, can be provided for one ormore of vents 304 a, 304 b, 306 a, 306 b, 308, 310, 320 324 whilepassive components such as holes, openings, or other venting structurescan be provided for airflow corridors 302. In other embodiments one ormore of these configurations can be different.

Although not shown in FIGS. 3A-3E, the side walls of the modular grilland smoker can be similarly situated such that the airflow corridor 302creates a fully encompassing hull around the grilling and smoking orother heating chambers, such as chamber 301. As would be understood bythose in the art, the grilling and smoking or other heating chambers arenecessarily supported and separated from the exterior walls of theairflow corridor creating the hull by internal support structures 340(shown in FIGS. 3F, 4A-4B) such as posts, ribs, struts, trusses or otherstructural supports. It should also be understood that the upper airflowcorridor exterior walls 312 are similarly supported by structuralsupport means attached to the common walls and they may extend partiallyor fully circumferentially about the cooking chamber. In many of theseembodiments, these internal support structures allow airflow within theairflow corridor 302 to occur substantially unimpeded.

In various embodiments airflow corridors 302 may not extend the fulllength of a modular grill and smoker apparatus and as such, may notsurround a secondary chamber.

FIG. 3C is a side cross-sectional diagram 300 c depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker primary chamber 301 and airflowcorridor 302.

FIG. 3D is a side cross-sectional diagram 300 d depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker upper component area crosssection. In the example embodiment a vent 320 is a chimney flue as shownand has one or more variable-angle chimney flue doors 328. The chimneyflue vent 320 can allow heated air or smoke to escape the interior ofthe cooking chamber 301 and extends directly to an exterior of themodular grill and smoker. The one or more variable-angle chimney fluedoors 328 can be a locking compression lever. This lever can be hinged,can extend partially or fully across an upper area of a modular grilland smoker in various embodiments and can be electrically controlled,mechanically controlled, automatic, manual or semi-automatic in variousembodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the lever may beautomatically opened to a partial or full configuration if an interiorsensor, monitored by a processor, indicates that the internaltemperature of the modular grill and smoker is higher than desired for aparticular selected, preprogrammed recipe.

Also shown is a cooking chamber LED light strip 336 that can provideillumination to the interior of the cooking chamber 301 and is providednear the chimney flue vent 320 and above food supporting surfaces suchas grill plates within chamber 301. LED cooking chamber light strip 336may have a transparent or semi-transparent cover such that the light canreach the interior of the cooking chamber 301.

Also shown are transparent or semi-transparent panels for viewing theinterior of cooking chamber 301. Here, an outer panel 332, inner panel330 and a panel lock 334 are provided. Panels 330, 332 can be coupled inplace using appropriate mechanisms, such that they do not fall off orotherwise move out of place. In some embodiments, this can be a panellock 334 that is a cam lock, for securing and optionally releasing oneor both of outer panel 332 and inner panel 330. While cam locks rely oncompression to secure panels in place, other mechanisms are alsocontemplated. In the diagram, there is a space between outer panel 332and inner panel 330. This can allow outer panel 332 to remain cool, evenwhile inner panel 330 becomes warm. In embodiments with lockingmechanisms, outer panel can be removably or permanently coupled withexterior wall 312 while inner panel 330 is removably or permanentlycoupled with chamber wall 314. In some embodiments, one or more panels330, 332 can be slid to a side, up or down or otherwise moved such thata door of chamber 301 does not need to be opened in order to view itscontents in smoky or other less-than optimal viewing conditions, thusbetter maintaining the temperature and conditions within the chamber.

FIG. 3E is a side cross-sectional diagram 300 e depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker lower component area crosssection. In the example embodiment a removable debris pan 326 can beflanked by one or more vent openings 324 a, 324 b and locked in place bya debris pan lock 325. Vent openings 324 a, 324 b function as cookingchamber air intakes that allow cool air to flow directly from anexterior of the modular grill and smoker into the cooking chamber 301.In some embodiments these are adjustable. Debris pan lock 325 can beunlocked in order to allow a debris pan to be removed and its contentsdisposed of, such as food, ash or other debris that has fallen into it.Debris pans 326 can hang from a chamber bottom by one or more couplingssuch as hooks or others in some embodiments. When released or unlocked,gravity can allow them to fall freely or users can carefully remove themby hand.

FIG. 3F is a side cross-sectional diagram depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker airflow corridor with internalstructures 340 shown.

FIG. 4A is a front cross-sectional diagram depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker 400 a with enlarged views ofrotary dampened door features 401 a, 403 a. In the example embodiment, asecondary chamber 408 is shown at the left of the figure while a cookingchamber 402 is shown at the right. Here, chambers 402, 408 havedifferent sizes, both across an interior width or circumference of thechambers and across an interior length of the chambers.

Also shown are ribs that separate an airflow corridor exterior wall 412a, 412 b respectively from a secondary chamber wall 414 a a cookingchamber wall 414 b. Ribs 440 can be stainless steel or titanium. In someembodiments a lower coefficient of heat transfer for titanium canprevent exterior walls 412 a, 412 b of the airflow corridor frombecoming excessively heated. A vertical corridor 416 b is provided onthe exterior side of cooking chamber 402 that can be a separate airflowcorridor in some embodiments with two or more airflow vents. A verticalcorridor 416 a is provided on the exterior side of utility chamber 408that can be a separate airflow corridor in some embodiments with two ormore airflow vents. Similarly, an airflow corridor 416 c can separateutility chamber 408 from cooking chamber 402.

Rotary dampers 418 a and 418 b are respectively shown in theenlargements of rotary dampened door features 401 a, 403 a and can beprovided in these vertical corridors 416 a, 416 b, helping to preventthem from becoming too hot, where they are maintained at a working andfunctional temperature.

Each chamber 402, 408 has a door that can be moved, to from partially tofully open or closed. These chamber doors are permanently or removablycoupled with a rotating feature of rotary dampers 418 a, 418 b, as theyrotate circumferentially about a central axis drawn through the centerof the rotary damping mechanisms 418 a, 418 b. The rotary dampingmechanisms 418 a, 418 b can provide sufficient damping, slowing, orfriction such that a coupled door will not “clang” or make other loud ordisturbing noises if accidentally or purposefully dropped, released,opened or shut quickly or carelessly. Each of the rotary dampingmechanisms 418 a, 41B are provided within a rotary damping supportstructure 420 a, 420 b respectively, such as a cylindrical supportstructure with an opening at one side and an anchoring means at theother side. In some embodiments, rotary dampers 418 a, 418 b can includeand contain one or more viscous liquid substances to provide the dampingeffect.

In other embodiments, rotary damping mechanisms 418 a, 418 b can beprovided within a cylindrical support structure 420 a, 420 b which isclosed on both sides and has a slit or channel in the support structurefor the door to travel circumferentially about the central axis of eachof the rotary damping support mechanisms 418 a, 418 b when operated.Cylindrical support structures 420 a, 420 b can be coupled to the bodyof the modular grill and smoker in various appropriate locations byappropriate means such as welding or others. In the example embodimentthe rotary damping mechanisms 418 a, 418 b are provided within theairflow corridor. In some embodiments, rotary damping mechanisms 418 a,418 b can be coupled to an exterior surface of the modular grill andsmoker. In embodiments where a single rotary damping mechanism iscoupled with each chamber door, the door can be coupled to a pin, postor other structure with an appropriate receiving mechanism at its sideopposite the rotary damping mechanism. Although rotary dampingmechanisms 418 a, 418 b are shown at relatively the same location oneither side of the chambers 402, 408 in the example embodiment, they canbe at different locations relative to each other in differentembodiments.

FIG. 4B is a front cross-sectional diagram depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker 400 b with enlarged views ofrotary dampened door features 401 b, 403 b. In the example embodiment,interior details of primary chamber 402 are shown in greater detailincluding racks 432, windows 430, supports 434, and others.

FIG. 4C is a side view depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker 400 c with an enlarged view of rotary dampened doorfeatures 403 c and lighting mechanism 436.

FIG. 4D is a cutaway perspective view depicting an example embodiment ofa modular grill and smoker 400 d with a rotary dampened door feature. Inthe example embodiment the rotary damping mechanism 418 d includes ashaft 442 that can be coupled with a complementary shaped receiver 444of a door. As such, the door movements can be damped at one or morepoints in an opening or closing movement while a main body 448 of arotary damper 418 d remains stationary. In an example embodiment,movements are damped most robustly near the end of an opening or closingmovement.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker multi-surface table 500. In the exampleembodiment a plurality of legs 502 are shown that support a first panel504 with a planar upper surface on which a modular grill and smoker canbe placed or mounted. Also shown, in some embodiments, holes 506,cutouts, ridges, lips and other structures can be provided in the uppersurface that extend partially into or through panel 504, as appropriate,to maintain a position of a modular grill and smoker by permanent,semi-permanent or removable couplings.

It should be understood that multi-surface tables 500 and supportingracks (e.g., see supporting rack 222 of FIG. 2A-2C) can be sized basedon individual modular grill and smoker sizes. As such, they are highlycustomizable, in accordance with the unique fabrication techniquesdescribed herein.

Also shown is a second panel 508 with a planar upper surface, andcoupled to the legs for support such that it is substantially parallelto the first support surface. In use, this second surface can providesupport for dishes, utensils, or any other objects that a user may wishto place in the space between its upper surface and a substantiallyplanar lower surface of the first panel. Also shown is a third panel 510with a planar upper surface and a cylindrical cutout 512 for supportingan external fuel tank.

Similar to the orientation of the first panel 504 and second panel 508,the third panel 512 can be parallel to the first two panels 504, 508.The distance between the lower surface of the first panel 504 and theupper surface of the third panel 510 is such that an external fuel tankcan be conveniently removed and replaced. The circumference of thecylindrical cutout 512 should be such that it is larger than acylindrical lower extension of an external fuel tank but smaller than alargest circumference of the external fuel tank. As such it can supportthe external fuel tank above the ground or other support structure onwhich the multi-surface table 500 is placed, i.e. a deck, patio, orothers.

Although three panels 504, 508, 512 are shown in the example embodimentit should be understood that one or more of a back, side or front panelscan also be provided that are substantially perpendicular to the upperplanar surface of the first panel 504. In some embodiments, these panelscan be doors with hinges or latches that allow them to open and closeinternal compartments. Holes, gaps, spaces or other cutouts should beprovided in any such panels such that the external fuel tank can becoupled with the modular grill or smoker. Additionally, in someembodiments, racks, drawers and other accessory specific components andcompartments can be provided to hold towels, utensils and other commonpieces of equipment. Although described herein as a multi-surface table,in some embodiments a single surface may be provided.

FIG. 5B is a front perspective view depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker multi-surface table 500 with a modular grilland smoker 550 and external fuel source 552. In the example embodimentthe modular grill and smoker 550 has four support legs 554 that arecoupled with holes 506 (obscured).

In some embodiments, modular grill and smoker 550 may be attached orcoupled to the table 500 on a permanent, semi-permanent or removablebasis. In embodiments where modular grill and smoker 550 can be removedor decoupled from multi-surface support table 500, it can be transportedto other locations for assembly, cleaning, modification or otherpurposes and goals. Coupling structures (obscured) in the form ofexternal fuel coupling components may be provided with couplinglocations for multiple external fuel sources, including external fuelsource 552 on one side. It is understood in the art that these couplingscan route external fuel within the interior of the modular grill andsmoker 550 through appropriate pipes, hoses, or other sealedcompartments to appropriate, safe and desirable locations for providingheat and other desired characteristics. An external power coupling canoperably connect internal or external electrical grill components to anexternal power source such as a standard wall socket, for instance,using a power cord (not shown). In some embodiments, backup or primarybattery sources can also be included.

FIG. 5C is a back view depicting an example embodiment of a pairedmodular grill and smoker multi-surface table with a modular grill andsmoker and external fuel source

FIG. 6A is a front perspective view depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker support rack 600. In the example embodiment,the support rack 600 can be coupled or mounted to a railing, panel, orother permanent or semi-permanent fixture or structure using one or moreadjustable mounting hooks 602, such that it hangs or projects upward andsupports a modular grill and smoker above a lower surface such as aground, patio, floor, deck, or similar.

The support rack 600 as shown includes posts or leg locks 604 that cancouple to complementary mechanisms of the modular grill and smoker.Other couplings are also contemplated. The support rack 600 alsoincludes an arm extension 606 for supporting an external fuel tank thatextends from or couples with a support structure 608 and includes anexternal fuel tank support ring 610. In the example embodiment this armextension 606 projects downward but in other embodiments it may beprojected horizontally or in other directions as appropriate. Theexternal fuel tank support ring 610 can be referred to as a LPG tankrank, external fuel tank rack or otherwise. Dimensions of the interiorof the cylindrical ring 610 can be similar to those described previouslyfor supporting an external fuel source with respect to the third panelof FIG. 5A.

The support rack 600 can also include additional planar surfaces forsupporting dishes, utensils and other items in some embodiments as wellas separate or common enclosures for housing one or both of a modulargrill and smoker and external fuel source. While in some embodiments thesupport rack 600 provides a fixed height for a modular grill and smoker,this can be adjusted in other embodiments and changed per userrequirements or desires. In some embodiments this can be done byadjusting support structure 608 up or down with respect to arms 602before locking into place using an appropriate locking mechanism or pin.

FIG. 6B is a front perspective view depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker support rack 600 with a mounted external fuelsource 612. A main body 608 of the support rack can be a rectangular barstructure. A rubber or other compression bar 614 can be coupled to aside of the main body on a same side that adjustable mounting hooks 602project from, in order to provide a protective surface so as not todamage a supporting structure mounting location, such as a railing.Height adjustment release 616 and pitch adjustment release 618 can beprovided to allow users to adjust the height of the main body 608.

FIG. 6C is a front perspective view depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker support rack 600 with a mounted external fuelsource 622 and modular grill and smoker 622.

FIG. 7A is a front cutaway view depicting an example embodiment of anassembled modular grill and smoker 700 with individual componentdetails. In the example embodiment, a rotisserie mechanism can includeone or more upper gears 730, one or more belts 732, one or more motors734 and one or more complementary lower gears 736 to rotate a rotisserierack 738 about its central axis. A grill door damper 740 and utilitydoor damper 742 can be coupled with the apparatus as described elsewhereherein.

Also shown are an electrical junction and central processing unit (CPU)box 752 for housing and protecting electrical equipment used with themodular grill and smoker 700. Secondary chamber 708 includes at leastone utility shelf 742, utility door rotary damper 744, and fuel line746. Also shown are debris tray 760, debris tray lock 762, ignitionmechanism 764, fuel burner 766.

FIG. 7B is a front view depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker 700 b with a rack with individual component details. Inthe example embodiment a cooking chamber door of the modular grill andsmoker is shown in an open configuration. Also shown are internalcomponents such as ceramic panels 770, grills 772 and fuel trays 774 (asshown in FIG. 7E). In some embodiments, ceramic panels can behigh-temperature ceramic-infrared panels for use with LPG/NG fuelsources. Alternative solid fuel trays 774 can be used for one or both ofcharcoal, wood or other fuel sources. Cooking grills 772, warming grills772, and debris trays 760 are also shown. Window assemblies can bedouble glazed viewing glass in some embodiments comprised of dual panelsof glass, one interior and one exterior. Also shown are removablechimney flues 780 and debris trays 760.

FIG. 7C is a view depicting an example embodiment of modular grill andsmoker individual component details, some of which are also shown inFIG. 7B. Window panel related components include inner glass 790, spacer792, outer glass 794, and lock 796.

FIG. 7D is a view depicting an example embodiment of modular grill andsmoker external component details, some of which are also shown in FIG.7B as well as a modular grill and smoker front view. Shown in theexample embodiment is a window lock 796.

FIG. 7E is a view depicting an example embodiment of modular grill andsmoker internal component details, some of which are also shown in FIG.7B. Shown in the example embodiment is an internal burner component foran external fuel source. In the example embodiment this can be a LPGburner, NG burner or combination burner 766.

FIG. 8 is a chart 800 depicting an example embodiment of modular grilland smoker component dimensions for different sized modular grills andsmokers. Various component dimensions are described in the table withrespect to the size of modular grill and smoker they may be used.

FIG. 9 is a front view depicting an example embodiment of modular grilland smoker securing pin 900 s. In the example embodiment, pins withrings, flanged edges, angled lengths, hook and clasp mechanisms areshown. Various others are contemplated as would be understood in the artfor use with the modular grills and smokers described herein.

FIG. 10 is a front view depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker 1000 with enlarged display 1002 view. In the exampleembodiment a dial or knob 1004 can be used to adjust an internaltemperature of the modular grill and smoker 1000 and a user can monitorthe internal temperature by reading a display 1002 that can be coupledto an internal thermometer and operative to accurately display thetemperature. A handle 1006 is also shown. Various other displays canalso be used, as previously described and it should be understood thatappropriate power sources such as batteries or electrical wall plugs,internal processors and memory and others can be operativelyelectrically connected as necessary. Internal wiring harnesses areprovided in various embodiments to maintain electrical wires in safepositions and intuitive locations and configurations for easymaintenance.

FIG. 11 is a front view depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker modular grill and smoker 1100 with enlarged interiorcooking chamber 1102 view with an open cooking chamber door 1104. Theinterior of the cooking chamber 1102 is shown as a substantiallyhorizontal cylindrical chamber having an internal radius and flat endwalls. Also shown are rack holders 1106.

It should be understood that various internal structures can be providedthat partition the interior of the interior chamber without departingfrom the scope of the invention. For example, a lower portion of thechamber can be partitioned into two sides to allow for the user of onefuel source in a first side of the chamber and another fuel source in asecond side of the chamber. As such, users may receive the benefit ofunique flavor combinations imparted by the differing fuel sourceswithout having the fuel sources combine or interact directly, whichcould lead to undesirable flavor characteristics. Similarly, the chambercan be divided such that airflow characteristics within the chamber areoptimized for different objectives in particular orientations.

It should be understood that although the modular grill and smoker 1100shown in the embodiments herein is generally a cylinder with ahorizontal length oriented about a central axis, various otherconfigurations and dimensions are contemplated without departing fromthe principles and objectives described herein. For instance, avertically oriented modular grill and smoker is contemplated, with acentral axis running in a vertical orientation, perpendicular with aground surface. Different cross sections can be provided in variousembodiments including triangular, square, elliptical, rectangular,irregular polygonal, and others. Likewise, the general three-dimensionalprofile is not limited to having two ends. Three dimensional profilescontemplated for various embodiments include pyramids, boxes and others.Likewise, irregular and non-traditional profiles and orientations arealso contemplated, such as helixes and others. A variety of differentbenefits may be imparted by the various shapes and profiles of themodular grills and smokers contemplated including airflow optimizationwithin the main and secondary chambers, insulation optimization at ornear the exterior surfaces of the chambers, optimized and unique flavorprofiles and numerous other benefits.

The internal surfaced of chambers can be coated in black, heather,charcoal or other dark colored materials that can provide utility in theform of reduced necessity to clean the interior of unsightly charring asis common on polished metal surfaces inside grills commonly in usetoday. Interior surface materials can be selected or applied in order tocreate other beneficial characteristics as well such as improved heatabsorption, insulation, or others. In some embodiments, interiorsurfaces of one or more of the cooking and secondary chambers can beanodized stainless steel. As such, a chemical treatment reacts with thestainless steel and creates a pocked surface. In some embodiments apowder paint can be applied to interior surfaces that can be heatresistant and can be high gloss. This can lead to the benefit ofimproved cleaning of the associated surfaces. In some embodiments,chamber interiors can be coated in ceramic. In various embodiments theinterior treatments of the chambers can be applied robotically in afabrication plant.

Various internal structures 1106 can be provided as shown to supportracks, food grilling surfaces, heating or warming surfaces, smokingsurfaces or others as appropriate and known in the art. The height,location and orientation of these will be apparent through normalexperimentation and may be highly customizable. Also provided can behooks or other supports 1108 for rotisserie racks or other internalgrill components.

FIG. 12 is a view depicting an example embodiment of modular grill andsmoker external fuel tanks 1200. In the example embodiment, externalfuel tanks 1200 can include specific modifications or structures tooptimize their use with the modular grills and smokers and associatedsupport structures disclosed herein. These can include collars, flanges,grommets, rings, and others.

FIG. 13 is a user interface display 1300 depicting an example embodimentof a modular grill and smoker recipe selection screen. In the exampleembodiment, a user interface display 1300 is shown that allows a user toselect a recipe from a database provided on a server that can uploadparticular recipes to user devices such as mobile smartphones, tabletcomputers, laptops, or others. Recipes can include specific instructionsfor cooking particular dishes including preheating, cooking timers,temperatures, alerts and other important information that can bedisplayed on the user device as well as implemented in the form ofinstructions, stored in non-transitory computer memory and executable bya computer processor for controlling a device such as a modular grilland smoker with internal memory and automated cooking features. Userinterface displays can be interacted with via user interfaces such astouchscreens, buttons, and others.

FIG. 14 is a user interface display depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker temperature display screen 1400. In the exampleembodiment, a current internal chamber temperature 1402 can be shown asmonitored by one or more thermometers located in one or more locationsadjacent to or within the chambers of the associated modular grill andsmoker. Internal smokiness can also be measured by appropriate sensorsat internal locations and airflow within airflow corridors. Exteriorsurface temperature can also be monitored and displayed. A recipeprogress is displayed in the area of the user interface above thetemperature display and can show heating curves and characteristics,timing information and other information such as recipe specificinformation and instructions for a user to follow. Communication betweena user device and a modular grill and smoker can be provided byappropriate transmitters and receivers operating using known or futuredeveloped protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular and otherstandards. Different heating profiles 1404 can be shown as well, such asthe oven temperature and upper oven rack temperature profiles here.

FIG. 15 is a user interface display depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker instructions screen 1500. In the exampleembodiment, instructions can be displayed and manipulated, for instanceby scrolling, that provide an overview of the recipe, detailedinstructions, other user reviews, troubleshooting tips, frequently askedquestions (FAQs) and other pertinent information.

FIG. 16 is a user interface display depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker recipe instruction view screen 1600. Here, auser can view various timers that can correspond to when a user shouldput specific food items in the associated modular grill and smoker, whento remove specific food items, when to move specific food items betweenracks or chambers, when to check on food items, alerts, user interactionsuch as messaging with other users or system operators or employees, andothers.

FIG. 17 is a user interface display depicting an example embodiment of amodular grill and smoker recipe completion screen 1700. Here, a user canview final preparation instructions, removal instructions, cleaninginstructions, reminders, tips or others information.

FIG. 18A is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment of a modulargrill and smoker use process 1800. In the example embodiment a user canfirst select a desired, adjustable/tunable automated recipe programpreviously downloaded from company server to local storage; and preparefood for grilling and/or smoking in step 1802 while the grill and smokeris heating. Next a user can initiate an automated-recipe sequencedcooking program and make changes if necessary via a computer network;the grill preheats if grill door is open, while preheating does notinitiate and the user is pinged to close door before gas is ignited; ata desired temperature, grill pings (locally and remotely) for foodplacement in step 1804. User can then open the grill door and place thefood; close the door and indicate completion of food placement, resumingautomated-recipe cooking program and monitor as appropriate in step1806. The grill can initiate an automated recipe cooking countdown instep 1808 (varying temperature during cooking as directed by recipe);the grill can initiate pings (locally and remotely) for foodturning/repositioning; and the user can reposition food, and indicateresumption of automated recipe cooking program. At the conclusion of anoperation, the program can execute a gas shutoff and ping a user(locally and remotely) for food removal in step 1810. A manual/localoperation-gas knob can incorporate an ignition trigger and thecooking-chamber can also include LED light strip controls.

In various embodiments, the user devices and modular grill and smokerapparatuses can perform complete logging of all system & user activity,including timestamps, locations, notes, technical issues and otherinformation, allowing a user to perform queries of all historical data.

FIG. 18B is an example view of a basic network setup 1820 according toan embodiment of the present invention. In the example embodiment, aserver system 1822, 1824 with multiple servers is shown. Each server1822, 1824 can include applications distributed on one or more physicalservers, each server having one or more processors, memory banks,operating systems, input/output interfaces, and network interfaces, allknown in the art, and a plurality of end user devices 1826, 1828 coupledto a network 1832 such as a public network (e.g. the Internet and/or acellular-based wireless network, or other network) or a private network.User devices 1826, 1828 include for example mobile devices (e.g. phones,tablets, or others) desktop or laptop devices, wearable devices (e.g.watches, bracelets, glasses, etc.), other devices with computingcapability and network interfaces and so on. The server system includesfor example servers 1822, 1824 operable to interface with websites,webpages, web applications, social media platforms, advertisingplatforms, and others.

FIG. 18C is an example view of a network connected server system 1822according to an embodiment of the present invention. A server system1822 according to an embodiment of the invention can include at leastone user device interface 1840 implemented with technology known in theart for communication with user devices as described elsewhere herein ordeveloped in the future. The server system 1822 can also include atleast one web application server system interface 1842 for communicationwith web applications, websites, webpages, websites, social mediaplatforms, and others. The server system 1822 can further include anapplication program interface (API) 1844 that is coupled to at least onedatabase 1846, 1848 and can communicate with interfaces such as the userdevice interface and web application server system interface, or others.The API 1844 can instruct the databases 1846, 1848 to store (andretrieve from the databases) information such as user accountinformation, recipe information, associated account information,instructional information, warranty information, communicationinformation or others as appropriate. The databases 1846, 1848 can beimplemented with technology known in the art such as relationaldatabases and/or object oriented databases or others.

FIG. 18D is an example view of a user mobile device 1826 according to anembodiment of the present invention. In an example embodiment, a usermobile device 1826 according to an embodiment of the invention canincludes a network connected application 1850 that is installed in,pushed to, or downloaded to the user mobile device. In many embodiments,user mobile devices are touch screen devices. The applications caninclude recipe information for viewing and downloading on a user device,communicating with other users, saving information, controllingnetworked grill and smoker devices (remotely or locally), and others.

Mobile applications, mobile devices such as smart phones/tablets,application programming interfaces (APIs), databases, social mediaplatforms including social media profiles or other sharing capabilities,load balancers, web applications, page views, networking devices such asrouters, terminals, gateways, network bridges, switches, hubs,repeaters, protocol converters, bridge routers, proxy servers,firewalls, network address translators, multiplexers, network interfacecontrollers, wireless interface controllers, modems, ISDN terminaladapters, line drivers, wireless access points, cables, servers andothers equipment and devices as appropriate to implement the method andsystem is contemplated.

FIG. 18E is a diagram of an example embodiment of a modular grill andsmoker device 1830 electrical system diagram. In the example embodimenta power source 1860 such as a power cable can be electrically coupled toprovide power to the electrical system of the grill and smoker device. Asensor or detector 1862 can sense or detect temperature within a chamberand this information can be processed using one or more processors 1864that can control active airflow devices 1866 such as heat sources, fans,electrically controlled vents, or other devices to modify thetemperature within the chamber. Also provided in some embodiments, canbe processor 1864 controlled lighting 1868 for illuminating the interiorof a chamber. At least one transmitter, receiver or combination thereof1870 can be communicatively coupled (wirelessly or wired) with a privateor public network in various embodiments for transmitting temperature,timing, alerts and other pertinent information and for receiving recipeheating, timing, lighting and other information. The at least oneprocessor 1864 can store recipe information in local memory 1878 forlater use such as timing 1876, heating 1872, rotisserie control 1874,lighting and other information, that can each have their own connectedsystem or subsystem. It should be understood that all electricallycomponents are wired so that they are operable for their intendedpurpose as would be understood by one in the art. Likewise, variouscomponent functions can be added, distributed, modified or omitted withadditional or fewer components in various embodiments.

FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional diagram 1900 a depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker with closed valve covers 1904.As such, in the example embodiment, when a knob 1902 is turned to aclosed position by a user, it closes valve covers 1904 such that theyare no longer able to supply fuel via fuel line 1906 to part of themodular grill and smoker. In various embodiments, valve covers 1904 canbe for LPG/NG-gas-burner-bifurcation valves that are used to control anamount of fuel provided to a location or area within the modular grilland smoker. This allows users to control disparate cooking-temperaturezones within the body of the apparatus. As such, the figures depicted inFIGS. 19A-19D show configurations and components for providing gas orother burner bifurcation control.

FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional diagram 1900 b depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker with open valve covers 1904. Assuch, in the example embodiment, when the knob 1902 is turned to an openorientation by a user, it opens valve covers 1904 such that they areable to supply fuel via fuel line 1906 to part of the modular grill andsmoker. Here, the valve covers 1904 are coupled with a rod 1903, that isalso coupled to an externally located knob 1902 for operation. Whenturned or otherwise operated, knob 1902 turns rod 1903 and coupled valvecovers 1904 to open and close a LPG/NG-gas-burner-bifurcation mechanism.As such, fuel such as gas traveling through fuel line 1906 can beprovided to or blocked from portions of fuel line 1906. In turn, thisallows or prevents flames burning from the fuel to exit fuel holes 1908in the particular portions of fuel line 1906.

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional diagram 1900 c depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker, including internal heatingcomponents such as valve covers 1904, rod 1903 and a cross section offuel line 1906. As shown in the example embodiment, the top half of fuelline 1906 has been removed in the diagram to show valve covers 1904 inan orientation parallel to an upper and lower surface of fuel line 1906,such that valve covers 1904 are open. When in a closed orientation,valve covers 1904 are perpendicular to a fuel direction flow within fuelline 1906, such that they nearly or fully block a portion of fuel fromfeeding through a portion of fuel line 1906.

FIG. 19D is a cross-sectional diagram 1900 d depicting an exampleembodiment of a modular grill and smoker with a closed valve covers 1904enlargement on the left and an open valve covers 1904 enlargement on theright. Here, demonstrating closed valve covers 1904 in the leftenlargement, no flames 1910 are shown as being emitted from fuel holes1908 past the location of valve covers 1904 in the closed position. Thisdiffers from the open valve covers 1904 shown in the right enlargement,where flames 1910 are shown as being emitted along the length of fuelline 1906.

Various individual materials and combinations thereof are contemplatedfor fabricating the individual components and structures describedherein. In many embodiments marine, stainless and titanium arecontemplated. Future developed materials are also contemplated, asappropriate to achieve the objectives described herein. Some particularexamples of materials that can be used to create components, portions,and items for modular grills and smokers, supporting racks, andsupporting tables include: 316, 316L, 316F, 316N, 316TI stainless steeland titanium, and various other corrosion resistant alloys.

Mounting and placement varies widely in various example embodiments ofmodular grills and smokers, including and not limited to: balconyrailings, walled balconies, tabletops, marine rails or walls (e.g. asmay be found on a boat) and numerous others.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for theirdisclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothingherein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure isnot entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure.Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from theactual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions,and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein areintended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from anyother embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, orstep is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should beunderstood that that feature, element, component, function, or step canbe used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitlystated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basisand written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, thatcombine features, elements, components, functions, and steps fromdifferent embodiments, or that substitute features, elements,components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those ofanother, even if the following description does not explicitly state, ina particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions arepossible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of everypossible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especiallygiven that the permissibility of each and every such combination andsubstitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill inthe art.

In many instances, entities are described herein as being coupled toother entities. It should be understood that the terms “coupled” and“connected” (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and,in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities(without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic) intervening entities) andthe indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligibleintervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directlycoupled together, or described as coupled together without descriptionof any intervening entity, it should be understood that those entitiescan be indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in thedrawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood,however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particularform disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritof the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, orelements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, aswell as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of theclaims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not withinthat scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular cooking apparatus, comprising: aheating source location; a first chamber defined by at least one firstchamber wall; a second chamber defined by at least one second chamberwall and coupled with the first chamber; an inlet vent coupled with thesecond chamber; and an outlet vent coupled with the second chamber,wherein, during operation of the apparatus, the first chamber isoperable to cook food by retaining heat generated in the heating sourcelocation and wherein, during operation of the apparatus, the secondchamber defines an airflow corridor such that air located exterior tothe second chamber is drawn into the apparatus via the inlet vent andair heated in the airflow corridor is emitted from the apparatus via theoutlet vent.
 2. The modular cooking apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefirst chamber is substantially cylindrically shaped.
 3. The modularcooking apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second chamber issubstantially cylindrically shaped and is located co-axial with thecylindrically shaped first chamber such that the second chamber at leastpartially surrounds the first chamber.
 4. The modular cooking apparatusof claim 1, further comprising: an access door coupled with at least thefirst chamber and operable to provide selective access to an interior ofthe first chamber.
 5. The modular cooking apparatus of claim 4, furthercomprising: a damping mechanism coupled to the access door.
 6. Themodular cooking apparatus of claim 5, wherein the damping mechanism is arotary damping mechanism.
 7. The modular cooking apparatus of claim 1,wherein an interior surface of the first chamber is coated in adark-color and at least partially faces the heating source.
 8. Themodular cooking apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a fuel linemounted in the heating source location, operable to provide externallysupplied fuel to the heating location; and a fuel line control valvewith at least one valve cover for preventing fuel from reaching at leastone location within the fuel line during operation when the valve coveris in a closed orientation.
 9. A cooking system, comprising: a modularcooking device, comprising: a heating source location; a first chamberhaving at least one first chamber wall; an inlet vent; an outlet vent;and a second chamber, having at least one second chamber wall, whereinthe second chamber is coupled with the first chamber, the inlet vent andthe outlet vent such that the second chamber defines an airflow corridorfrom the inlet vent, to a space between the first chamber wall andsecond chamber wall, to the outlet vent and wherein the modular cookingdevice includes at least one weld created using a robotic fabricationsystem; and a support device, operable to couple with the modularcooking device.
 10. The cooking system of claim 9, wherein the supportdevice is a support rack, comprising: a body frame; and an installationarm coupled to the body frame and operable to couple with aninstallation location; and at least one mounting component operable tosecurely couple with the modular cooking device.
 11. The cooking systemof claim 10, wherein the support rack further comprises: a fuel supportarm coupled with the body frame, wherein the fuel support arm isoperable to removably couple with an external fuel storage device. 12.The cooking system of claim 10, wherein the support rack comprises atleast one material designed primarily for marine environments.
 13. Thecooking system of claim 9, wherein the support device is a supporttable, comprising: at least one support leg; a support panel coupledwith the at least one support leg and operable to support the modularcooking device; and at least one mounting component operable to securelycouple with the modular cooking device.
 14. The cooking system of claim13, wherein the mounting component is provided on an upper surface ofthe support panel.
 15. A method of operating a modular cooking deviceusing a computing device, comprising: executable instructions associatedwith a recipe, stored in non-transitory memory, that when received fromthe computing device and executed by a processor of the modular cookingdevice, cause the processor to: initiate a heating operation of themodular cooking device in accordance with the recipe that causes heatinginside a cooking chamber of the modular cooking device; monitor aninternal temperature of the cooking chamber via at least one sensor; ifnecessary to comply with the recipe, adjust at least one componentaffecting the heating operation if a temperature threshold is met; andtransmit at least one notification to the computing device that causesthe device to notify a user of a condition of the recipe, wherein datafrom the sensor that is related to the heating operation are stored innon-transitory memory for later review by the user.
 16. The method ofoperating a modular cooking device of claim 15, wherein initiating aheating operation of the modular cooking device comprises: lighting afuel source using an ignition source of the cooking device.
 17. Themethod of operating a modular cooking device of claim 15, whereinadjusting at least one component further comprises: when the temperaturethreshold is a minimum temperature threshold, adjusting the position ofa valve cover of a fuel line to allow for additional fuel delivery to acooking chamber location.
 18. The method of operating a modular cookingdevice of claim 15, wherein adjusting at least one component furthercomprises: when the temperature threshold is a maximum temperaturethreshold, adjusting the position of a valve cover of a fuel line toallow for less fuel delivery to a cooking chamber location.
 19. Themethod of operating a modular cooking device of claim 15, furthercomprising: transmitting at least one update regarding the internaltemperature of the cooking chamber.
 20. The method of operating amodular cooking device of claim 15, further comprising: automaticallyterminating the heating operation at a predetermined time in accordancewith the recipe.